The length of the training courses will vary with each instructor. Certain topics must be included in each class. A live fire exercise must be completed at a firing range. Some instructors will choose to include additional material to supplement the statutorily required topics.

Courses will normally last from 8 to 16 hours, there is no required length. Make sure you ask about the fee when you contact an instructor for class information.

Instructors who have been certified by NSP to teach the Handgun and Safety Course required for a concealed handgun permit will be listed on the NSP website. You can also ask to see their certificate evidencing approval by the Nebraska State Patrol.

The law requires that you complete an approved training course within the three years prior to making application for a permit. However, the law also requires that an instructor must be certified by NSP to teach the course before they actually teach it.

Instructors began to seek certification in November of 2006. A course you take today from a certified instructor can be used to meet the requirements for a permit anytime within the next three years.

Will my military training course meet the training requirements for a permit?

Will my military training course meet the training requirements for a permit?

Very few, if any, military courses cover the topics required by state statute. Military training you have had within the last three years may meet the requirements for the training course if the course meets the minimum safety and training requirements set forth in section 027 of the regulations and in section 69-2432 of the statutes. Unlike the course required for other applicants, the military course does not need to be certified by the Nebraska State Patrol, but it must meet all of the requirements. If you believe that a military course you have taken meets all of the requirements, submit the curriculum and evidence of successful completion to NSP for a review.

You will be required to provide valid identification at the time of application consisting of a current Nebraska motor vehicle operator's license, a Nebraska identification card issued by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, or a current military identification card.

The applicant may show compliance with the training requirement by providing either the original or a certified copy of a certificate of completion of a Handgun Training and Safety Course approved by NSP. If you are a member of the active or reserve armed forces or member of the National Guard, you may meet this requirement with documentation that you have completed handgun training within the previous three (3) years, which meets the minimum safety and training requirements set forth in section 027 of the regulations and in section 69-2432 of the statutes. Very few, if any, military courses cover the topics required by state statute. Unlike the course required for other applicants, the military course does not need to be certified by the Nebraska State Patrol, but it must meet all of the requirements. If you believe that a military course you have taken meets all of the requirements, submit the curriculum and evidence of successful completion to NSP for a review

Valid proof of citizenship can be an original certified copy of a state issued birth certificate showing birth in the United States, naturalization papers, a Certificate of Citizenship issued by the United States Immigration authorities, or a current or expired United States passport.

The applicant may show compliance with the vision requirements by presenting one of the following:

A current Nebraska motor vehicle operator’s license,

A current driver’s license issued by any other U.S. state,

A current statement by a Nebraska licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist certifying that the applicant has been tested and meets the vision requirements prescribed for a Class “O” operator’s license (only the NSP vision statement will be accepted)

Do I need proof for all of my name changes? What are the required documents?

Do I need proof for all of my name changes? What are the required documents?

A marriage certificate is the most common proof of name change. We don’t need it if you bring in a passport with the same name as on the NE DL or if the DMV has record of the name change. Legal documentation can be a marriage certificate with the county clerk’s signature or divorce decree stating the name change.

General CHP questions

Applications submitted to Troop Area offices will be promptly forwarded to the Criminal Identification Division for processing. A federal record check is requested before state and local records. If all requirements are met the permit will be issued within 45 days after application.

What are some common reasons for denial of a concealed handgun permit application?

What are some common reasons for denial of a concealed handgun permit application?

Concealed handgun permit applicants must meet the requirements of Nebraska law, including but not limited to the criteria set forth in Nebraska Revised Statutes §69-2433. The following are a few of the most common reasons an application for a concealed handgun permit may be denied. This is not an exhaustive list:

Conviction for possession of a controlled substance within ten (10) years from your application date. This includes convictions for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, one ounce or less.

Conviction for violation of laws relating to firearms or unlawful use of a weapon within ten (10) years from your application. This includes convictions for carrying concealed any﻿ weapon noted in Nebraska Revised Statutes §28-1202 (including, but not limited to firearms, knives and brass knuckles). This includes convictions for having a shotgun on a highway, convictions for having a loaded shotgun in your vehicle and convictions for shooting at wildlife from a highway or roadway.

Conviction for a felony, no matter how old.

Conviction for a crime of domestic violence, no matter how old.

Conviction for a crime of violence within ten (10) years from your application date. This includes convictions for any level of assault, including sexual assault.

The regulations refer to Section 922 of Title 18 of the United States Code. What are the provisions of that law?

The regulations refer to Section 922 of Title 18 of the United States Code. What are the provisions of that law?

The relevant provisions of Section 922 of Title 18 of the United States Code have not been changed since January 1, 2005 which is the date used by the Nebraska statute. This law provides generally that the existence of any of the following items will disqualify an applicant:

Conviction in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year (generally felony offenses)

Fugitive from justice (subject of active criminal warrant)

Unlawful user or addicted to a controlled substance under 21 U.S.C. 802 Section 102 (this does not necessarily require a conviction but must be within the past year)

Adjudication in a court proceeding as a mental defective or commitment to a mental institution - this includes a finding of Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity or Incompetent to Stand Trial in a criminal proceeding but does not include a temporary Emergency Protective Custody (EPC). (Note that there are no time limits on this section)

Illegal or unlawful alien or lawful alien here on a nonimmigrant visa - this does not disqualify a person with a Permanent Resident Alien card

Discharge from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions - a dishonorable discharge or the dismissal of an officer from the armed forces adjudged by a general court-martial

Renounced United States Citizenship

Subject of a court order prohibiting contact with intimate partner or child of partner if the order was issued after a hearing with actual notice and opportunity to participate and if the order includes a finding that the person represents a credible threat and explicitly prohibits the use of physical force. These can be from any state and may be called by a variety of names including: restraining orders, domestic restraining orders, protective orders, or harassment orders. Whatever they are called, they must meet the same tests of a hearing with notice and opportunity, a finding of a threat, and a prohibition of use of physical force against an intimate partner or child of such partner

Conviction in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence

Under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year

Who keeps all of the information I am required to submit to obtain a permit and is it a public record?

Who keeps all of the information I am required to submit to obtain a permit and is it a public record?

A listing of all applicants and permit holders along with pertinent information obtained in processing your application will be maintained by the Nebraska State Patrol. This information is confidential and is not a public record. It will be made available only to any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency upon request. NSP will electronically transmit information concerning permit status to the Department of Motor Vehicles to be contained on the driver's license abstract.

A permit will be valid for five years. It can be renewed within the four (4) months prior to expiration of the initial permit either online or at any Nebraska State Patrol Troop Office.

Permit holders will not be required to retake a certified training course if their permit is renewed before it expires. Permit holders who allow their permits to expire will be required to retake a certified training course and pay the $100 fee for a new permit.

If you are a concealed handgun permit holder and are officially contacted by any peace officer or emergency services personnel, you must immediately inform the peace officer or emergency service personnel of the concealed handgun unless you are physically unable to do so. These individuals have the right to determine whether it is necessary to secure the handgun during the contact for the safety of any person.

Permit holders may renew in person or online up to 4 months prior to the expiration date listed on their permit. An online renewal will cost $50 plus a $4.50 service fee and will require a credit card, debit card or e-check. When renewing online the Nebraska State Patrol may substitute a photograph of the applicant obtained from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. Click Here to renew online.

The Nebraska State Patrol may require an applicant to apply for a renewal in person at one of its offices, if the person’s most recent photograph is ten (10) years old or older, if there is an issue regarding the person’s identity or criminal history, or if there is an issue regarding the information provided in or with the application.

Those who wish to renew in person will also require:

Completed, signed, and notarized application form

Proof of identification – Current driver’s license, state issued ID card, and/or current military ID

Current permit

$50 Permit renewal fee – Cash or check only

You do not need to provide proof of citizenship and you do not need a new training certificate.

Can I carry my gun concealed if I am in the process of renewing, but my original permit has expired?

Can I carry my gun concealed if I am in the process of renewing, but my original permit has expired?

No, there is a 4 month window in which they can renew and the turnaround time is about 5 days, plus time for the mail system for them to receive their new permit.

You can now renew online at https://www.nebraska.gov/apps-nsp-chp/.

If an error was made by the Nebraska State Patrol we will correct our mistake in an expedited fashion, but that is not a defense under the Concealed Carry Act allowing a person to carry concealed without a permit.

I let my concealed handgun permit expire. Can I still renew my permit?

I let my concealed handgun permit expire. Can I still renew my permit?

No, the permit holder will need to start the process over as if requesting an initial permit. This includes taking the training course again, providing all the necessary documentation and paying the $100 intial permit fee.

Concealed handgun permits can be renewed up to 4 months in advance to help prevent expiration.

Reminders for renewing CHP's are not sent by the Nebraska State Patrol. It is the permit holders responsibility to renew before the permit expires. The permit holder can renew their permit up to 4 months before the expiration date. The permit holder can sign up for reminders at https://www.getgov2go.com/ (this site is not administered by the Nebraska State Patrol).

What happens if I no longer meet the requirements after I obtain a permit?

What happens if I no longer meet the requirements after I obtain a permit?

If you no longer meet the requirements you are obligated to turn your permit in for cancelation. If you fail to do so, a revocation proceeding can be brought against you in court which can result in a fine of up to $1,000 in addition to revocation of the permit.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must notify NSP within ten days and request a replacement permit. You must not carry a concealed handgun until the permit is replaced, as the law requires you to have the permit in your possession at any time you carry a concealed handgun.

How does the new concealed handgun permit law work with the old law still in place?

How does the new concealed handgun permit law work with the old law still in place?

The existing Nebraska concealed weapons law (Nebraska Revised Statutes §28-1202) was retained in the statutes and generally prohibits the carrying of concealed weapons including handguns, bowie knife, knifes with a blade over 3 ½", brass or iron knuckles, and any other deadly weapons. There is an exception in this law which allows the carrying of a concealed weapon by persons engaged in a lawful business, calling or employment at the time of carrying the weapon but only under circumstances which would justify a prudent person in carrying a weapon for the defense of his or her person, property, or family. Unlike the concealed handgun permit law, there are no specific limitations on the places where a concealed weapon can be carried under this provision. Persons utilizing this exception are cautioned that the place where a weapon is carried will have a bearing on the reasonableness of carrying the weapon. This exception, instead of being authority to carry, is an affirmative defense to a charge of carrying a concealed weapon - in other words, you may have to prove in court that you qualify for the exception.

The existing concealed weapons statute applies to those who do not have a concealed handgun permit. The statute also applies to those holding a concealed handgun permit if the weapon carried is NOT a handgun (I.e... bowie knife, iron knuckles, etc.). Concealed handgun permit holders must comply with all provisions of the Concealed Handgun Permit Act any time they are carrying a concealed handgun and may not carry a handgun under the provisions of Nebraska Revised Statutes §28-1202.

Are there exemptions in the permit requirements for law enforcement officers or military members?

Are there exemptions in the permit requirements for law enforcement officers or military members?

No. Some states do have exceptions in their concealed handgun laws, which exempt law enforcement officers or other persons from the some of the requirements for obtaining a permit. Nebraska statutes treat all persons the same and do not contain exceptions to the permit or training requirements for law enforcement officers, military members, or any other class of persons wishing to obtain a permit.

Do law enforcement officers need a permit to carry a concealed weapon off duty?

Do law enforcement officers need a permit to carry a concealed weapon off duty?

Law enforcement officers do not need a permit to carry a concealed weapon off duty. They have the same justification they have always had under the existing law as well as the benefit of a relatively new federal law. The Law Enforcement Officer's Safety Act of 2004 (18 USC 44, § 926B, very commonly referred to as HR218) authorizes both qualified current and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms under certain conditions notwithstanding state or local laws to the contrary. Officers or retired officers carrying firearms under this authority must meet firearms qualification standards and carry certain documentation. This federal authorization does not supersede (take precedence over) state laws which (1) allow private persons or entities to restrict the possession of concealed firearms on their property, or (2) prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms on any State or local government property, installation, building, base, or park.

What happens to my handgun if I am in an accident and an ambulance takes me to a hospital?

What happens to my handgun if I am in an accident and an ambulance takes me to a hospital?

If you are transported for treatment by emergency service personnel, the handgun is to be turned over to a peace officer as soon as it is feasible to do so. The peace officer will provide you with a receipt for the handgun.

The statutes do not limit the number of concealed handguns a permit holder may carry concealed on or about them. Carrying or having more than one handgun concealed “on or about their person” is not a violation of law.

CHP Instructor questions

Instructors must meet many of the same requirements as a permit holder but are not required to have a concealed handgun permit. The instructor application must be completed in its’ entirety and notarized. Instructors are also required to be certified to teach handgun courses by another recognized certifying agency such as the National Rifle Association.

In addition, applicants must prepare a proposed course curriculum by reviewing the development and objective guidelines and the rules and regulations set forth in Title 272, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 21. A pre-approved, universal curriculum is also available for viewing and may be used as a reference when constructing your course curriculum. Please note that all information included within the pre-approved universal curriculum must be included in one’s course curriculum in order to be approved. Please review the ‘Conceal-Carry-Forms/Documents’ section of the Nebraska State Patrol website for access to the above mentioned forms and information.

I am a handgun instructor in the military. Can I be certified to teach this course?

I am a handgun instructor in the military. Can I be certified to teach this course?

Military instructors may be certified to teach a handgun course, which meets the standards required for all instructors. A notarized copy of your certification as a Military Pistol Instructor will be required. Please review the rules and regulations for instructor certification set forth in Title 272, Nebraska Administrative Code, and Chapter 21.

A valid permit from another state that is recognized by Nebraska for reciprocity purposes will allow you to apply immediately and the 180 day Residency Period will be waived. All other application requirements still apply including the application fee, background check, handgun training and safety course and all other applicable documentation.

As of August 30, 2009, Nebraska will recognize CHP permits issued by those states on the below list which the Nebraska Attorney General has determined have standards equal to or greater than Nebraska. This recognition extends ONLY to persons who are NOT residents of Nebraska. This change in the law allows non-resident permit holders from the approved states to carry handguns concealed in Nebraska the same as if they held a Nebraska permit. See our regulations on this website for restrictions on places where a concealed weapon can carried.

APPROVED STATES

The following states have standards equal to or greater than the standards contained in Nebraska's Statue;

The following states have standards equal to or greater than the standards contained in Nebraska's statue, but only to the extent the permit holder in that state is twenty-one (21) years of age or older:

With regard to the state of Iowa, the Iowa "non-professional" permit is recognized as meeting standards equal to or greater than those contained in Nebraska's statute, but only to the extent the permit holder in Iowa is twenty-one (21) years of age or older. Nebraska does not recognize the Iowa "professional" permit, as it does not meet or exceed the standards in the Nebraska statute.

The state of Vermont does allow the carrying of concealed firearms within its borders, but it does not require a permit to do so. As a result, there is no permit to recognize.

UNAPPROVED STATES

The following states will not be recognized at this time because the Attorney General has determined that they DO NOT have standards that are equal or greater than the standards contained in Nebraska's statue.

Permits held by former law enforcement officers as provided by HR218 will continued to be honored.

For individuals from those states NOT recognized by the State of Nebraska, we do not object to persons bringing their weapons into the State of Nebraska while traveling through our state. We do, however ask that people transport their weapons, unloaded, encased, and inaccessible from all passengers in the vehicle.

concealed handgun restrictions

Does my permit allow me to carry a concealed handgun in schools or governmental buildings?

Does my permit allow me to carry a concealed handgun in schools or governmental buildings?

Your permit does not allow you to carry a concealed handgun in schools. Some governmental buildings are on the list of prohibited places such as buildings which contain a courtroom. Other governmental building will have partial restrictions because the prohibition is only for carrying a concealed weapon into a meeting in the building such as the governing body of a county or a meeting of the Legislature. The restriction for the meeting will not necessarily make the rest of the building a prohibited place. The persons in charge of a building, however, could chose to post the entire building. A list of the prohibited places can be found in section 018 of the regulations or section 69-2441 in the statutes. Some of the prohibitions are for buildings or places and some are for events.

The statute simply prohibits permit holders from carrying a concealed weapon in any "building, grounds, vehicle, or sponsored activity or athletic event of any public, private, denominational or parochial elementary, vocational, or secondary school, a private postsecondary career school as defined in section 85-1603, a community college, or a public or private college, junior college, or university". The debate on the legislation suggests that the Legislature intended to include trade schools, preschools, beauty schools, and "all types of educational enterprises".

What is meant by the term "place of worship" on the list of prohibited places?

What is meant by the term "place of worship" on the list of prohibited places?

Although it was not defined in the statute, the floor debate in the Legislature indicates that the term "place of worship" is to be broadly construed to include a church, synagogue, mosque or other primary place of worship and is also intended to include classrooms, social halls, reading rooms, fellowship rooms, atriums, libraries, bride's rooms, music rooms, parish hall, and other buildings on the campus of a church complex. Under certain circumstances, places of worship may authorize security guards to carry concealed handguns (see section 018 in the regulations or section 69-2441 in the statutes).

I have noticed signs on some buildings. Are these the only places I can't carry my concealed handgun?

I have noticed signs on some buildings. Are these the only places I can't carry my concealed handgun?

No, a sign is not required for places listed in the statute where carrying concealed handguns is prohibited. Individuals, businesses and entities can post their premises if they wish. There is no specific sign required but the Nebraska State Patrol strongly recommends that the standard sign be used for this purpose as it contains the language required by the statutes and it will be readily recognized. The recommended sign can be downloaded from the Nebraska State Patrol website on the Concealed Handgun Permits webpage.

Prohibited places will either be found on the list of prohibited places in the regulations at section 018 or section 69-2441 in the statutes or posted with a sign. Places found on the list are not required to post signs, but they may elect to do so to provide additional notice to permit holders and the public.

A handgun purchase permit is required by Nebraska Revised Statutes §69-2403 for purchases of handguns in Nebraska. In 2010 the Legislature passed a law which exempts concealed handgun permit holders and law enforcement officers from this requirement. A point-of- purchase check of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) must be completed by the seller despite the exemption from the permit requirement because the purchase permit has been accepted by Federal Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) authorities in lieu of the point-of -purchase check. ATF may eventually recognize the concealed handgun permit in lieu of the point-of-purchase check because both permits require a NICS check.

Even though some of the requirements are similar, each permit is independent and all of the requirements for each type of permit must be satisfied independently. Fingerprints, photographs, or a record check completed for one permit may not be used to satisfy the requirements for the other permit.

Permits to purchase handguns are obtained from the Chief of Police or Sheriff. A concealed handgun permit is obtained from the Nebraska State Patrol.

You must report any injury to a person or damage to property resulting from the discharge of a concealed handgun you carry to the Nebraska State Patrol within ten (10) days of the incident. Failure to file the report is a criminal offense. The form for making such a report will be available on the Nebraska State Patrol website and can be downloaded for your use in complying with this requirement.

business owner questions

If my place of business wants to prohibit concealed handguns, do signs have to be placed on the parking lots as well as the buildings?

If my place of business wants to prohibit concealed handguns, do signs have to be placed on the parking lots as well as the buildings?

Your business should post signs at all public entrances to your building. Permit holders who visit your business do not violate the law by leaving their concealed weapon in their vehicle while visiting your business even if you post your parking lot.

My place of business wishes to post the premises prohibiting concealed handguns. Where can we get signs to accomplish this?

My place of business wishes to post the premises prohibiting concealed handguns. Where can we get signs to accomplish this?

The recommended sign can be downloaded from the Nebraska State Patrol website, concealed carry page under forms/documents. There is no specific sign required but the Nebraska State Patrol strongly recommends that the standard sign be used for this purpose as it contains the language necessary and it will be readily recognized.

How do I transfer ownership of a firearm?

Nebraska law does not require registration of firearms, however local governments may require registration of firearms. Please check with your local government to see if there are any local requirements.

Can I sell my gun to someone else?

Please call the ATF at 800-800-3855. The Nebraska State Patrol does not regulate the purchase/sale of firearms. We recommend you require either a valid Firearm Purchase Permit or CHP and photo ID card to ensure they are not selling it to a prohibited person.

Is it legal to modify my firearm?

It depends on how you intend to modify the firearm. There are many aftermarket products available to modify your firearm and many modifications are legal, but shortening either the barrel or the overall length of a rifle or shotgun below the legal limits is a state felony and a federal felony. Modifying a firearm to be full auto is a felony under both state and federal law. Please refer to Nebraska State statutes: 28-1201, 28-1203, 28-1207 and 28-1208

Do I have to register my firearm(s) in Nebraska?

Nebraska law does not require registration of firearms, but some local governments do. Omaha requires registration of handguns. Please check with your local authorities.

Can I legally open carry in your state?

Carrying a firearm in the open is legal in Nebraska, although state law lets local governments create restrictions. Omaha, for example, requires a permit to open-carry.

I am traveling through Nebraska, how can I legally carry my gun?

Please refer to Federal law 18 United States Code Section 926A and Nebraska State statute 28-1202.

I went to the wrong website and they charged me $17.00. Can the State Patrol do something about that website?

No, the State Patrol cannot tell the operator of the website to take it down or return the money. The site is clearly marked that they are not associated with the Nebraska State Patrol.

What is the status of my husbands, neighbors, etc. permit?

Concealed handgun permit information is NOT public record. It is available only to law enforcement upon their request. We cannot discuss other people’s permit status with anyone but the permit holder.

Does my concealed handgun permit replace my purchase permit?

Yes, A purchase permit is required by Neb. Revised Statutes §69-2403 for purchases of handguns in Neb. In 2010, the Legislature passed a law which exempts concealed handgun permit holders and law enforcement officers from this requirement.

Where do I get a purchase permit?

Purchase permits can be obtained from your local County Sheriff's office. Please refer to Nebraska State Statute 69-2403.